Optiminds

The Opti-MINDS Challenge is an opportunity for all those with a passion for learning and problem solving to showcase their skills and talents in an exciting, vibrant and public way.

Opti-MINDS provides for the demand for sophisticated, educational and motivational opportunities. The rapidly increasing and widespread involvement of thousands of participants throughout Queensland and internationally, demonstrates that Opti-MINDS is not only a valuable and worthwhile investment in the education of our citizens, but is also an integral part of our collective future.

THE CHALLENGE...

Teams are required to work together on a long-term Challenge for up to six weeks without assistance from anyone outside the team. Participants are encouraged to explore possibilities and experiment with ideas as they endeavour to produce their best possible solution. They develop creative and original ways to communicate this solution to others, working within predefined parameters such as limited materials, complex Challenge criteria and the deadlines of The Challenge Day.

Students present the product of their ideas - their Challenge solution - to a panel of judges and an audience on Challenge Day. They have 10 minutes in which to present and must do so in a 3 x 3 metre (Approx.) performance area.

The teams must also participate in an unseen Spontaneous Challenge on Opti-MINDS Day. This Challenge requires rapid interchange of ideas, the ability to think effectively, creatively, and well-developed group cooperation skills.

Judges for both the Long Term and the Spontaneous Challenges are professionals chosen from all areas of education, the arts and industry. They are thoroughly trained to enable them to assess the creative performance and technical aspects of the presentation.

Registration

Registration for Opti-MINDS is $30 per student, which covers the registration for the Rockhampton Challenge. Students will be required to provide props and set which are of minimal cost to the students.

Please note: If students qualify for the Brisbane competition and decide to participate additional costs; flights, accommodation etc will be incurred.

Training

Training afternoons to improve teamwork, creative thinking and communication will begin week 9 of Term 1 will begin week 9 of Term 1 alternating afternoons., starting with Ms Prpic from 3:30 – 4:30pm in H4, and then the following week with Mrs Meager from 3:35 – 4:35pm in W6. Prior to the commencement of training students must complete the registration form.

Uniforms

There are no uniforms issued. Costumes are made by students from recycled materials for the performance day.